What are some common causes of severe nose bleeds?

A:

Quick Answer

Common causes of severe nosebleeds include the inability of blood to clot or a posterior nosebleed that involves an artery at the back of the nose, explains WebMD. Trauma to the nose, medications, trauma inside the nose due to picking, and exposure to dry or cold climates can cause nosebleeds.

Keep Learning

There are two main types of nosebleeds, states WebMD. Anterior nosebleeds are nosebleeds that occur towards the front of the nose. This type of nosebleed can be controlled easily with treatment at home or by a doctor. Posterior nosebleeds are more serious and are more common in seniors, often requiring hospital admission. A nosebleed that is accompanied by bleeding from other areas of the body can indicate an inability to clot blood.

A person who cannot stop a nosebleed after 10 minutes of pinching or who has multiple nosebleeds in a short period of time should go to a hospital, according to WebMD. A person should also go to the hospital for nosebleeds that are accompanied by coughing up blood, feelings of dizziness, a rapid heartbeat or trouble breathing. Individuals who experience a nosebleed who have had recent chemotherapy, bruise easily, have a disease that affects clotting, or are taking blood-thinning medications should call a doctor.